On 30 January 2025, SEAMEO BIOTROP and the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) held a virtual discussion on the potential replication of BIOTROP’s Agro-Eco-Edu-Tourism Program in Brunei Darussalam. The meeting was attended by Ms. Zaitunah Haji Kurus, Head of School at the School of Agro-Technology & Applied Sciences, IBTE, who also serves as the BIOTROP Governing Board Member for Brunei Darussalam, along with BIOTROP’s Board of Directors and Management.

The discussion focused on adapting BIOTROP’s Agro-Eco-Edu-Tourism initiatives in IBTE context. Ms. Zaitunah expressed her interest in adopting the AEET program in IBTE, highlighting the potential benefits for students, educators, and local stakeholders. IBTE’s campus spans 198 acres and consists of various specialized units, including tissue culture, aquatech, goat units, poultry production, crop production, and food technology facilities. These resources can be utilized as community learning centers, providing hands-on experiences that align with AEET’s goals of fostering education, conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices.

BIOTROP representatives shared insights from the implementation of the program in other regions such as at SEAMEO BIOTROP’s campus and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). As a follow-up, SEAMEO BIOTROP will provide detailed documentation of the program’s framework and key implementation strategies. IBTE will assess the feasibility of adoption and propose next steps in alignment with Brunei’s educational and economic priorities.

About SEAMEO BIOTROP SEAMEO BIOTROP is a regional center dedicated to advancing tropical biology research and education in Southeast Asia. By fostering strategic partnerships and innovative projects, the center aims to address key environmental and biodiversity challenges while promoting sustainable development across the region.